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For Sale Mar 26, 2026 at 3:49 PM

Stephen Colbert Announces Post-'Late Show' Dream Gig: 'I Could Not Be Happier'

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https://www.huffpost.com/entry/stephen-colbert-announces-lord-of-the-rings-post-late-show-dream-gig-i-could-not-be-happier_n_69c40793e4b018d43a59e75b?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=listnook&utm_campaign=us_main

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Silent_Version9710 Mar 26, 2026 +1011
“Late Show” host Stephen Colbert on Wednesday confirmed that dreams can indeed come true, revealing alongside “Lord of the Rings” director Peter Jackson that he’s been quietly working with him for years — and writing a brand-new installment for the beloved franchise. There ya go.
1011
Tibbaryllis2 Mar 26, 2026 +217
> and writing a brand-new installment for the beloved franchise. From what I’ve read and recall, it’s adapting the parts/chapters from the LotR novels that they didn’t use in the initial trilogy. Tom and all that.
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Emergency-Shirt-4572 Mar 26, 2026 +177
I’m guessing Colbert just really wants to play Tom Bombadil and found a way to do it.
177
AlericandAmadeus Mar 26, 2026 +56
Oh my god…..I know you’re just joking around but my goodness he would make an amazing Bombadil. Like he has the exact aura to be able to do it. I mean that “innately grounded and optimistic and will still come off that way even while saying ridiculous/vague/esoteric shit that is the opposite of those things.” There’s a reason people believed his Colbert Report character was real lol.
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Kyle-Is-My-Name Mar 26, 2026 +21
I'll never forget listening to my college roomate talk about how his real conservative dad would always watch the Colbert Report and it'd fly over his head. His old man is a highly repescted, intelligent architect in our area. I was always right there thinking "How the f*** does that work? I watch him right after Jon Stewart's Daily Show everynight and their messaging was always real similar. Colbert would just say "Obviously as a God fearing conservative man, [Insert Jon's same talking points/jokes]" and his dad would be laughing and agreeing with it. I never did figure that out. He even bought some of Colberts books.
21
blitzkregiel Mar 26, 2026 +21
conservatives aren’t known for understanding humor, they very much see things either at face value or as a complete conspiracy.
21
Kyle-Is-My-Name Mar 26, 2026 +10
It's wild man, he is such a nice, caring, intelligent businessman and father. He even has a gay daughter. His brain just never comprehended the irony. I love the guy to death, but I just roll my eyes at the whole situation. Either way, Mr. Dan the Man, you were always my favorite boss. God bless your clueless ass heart!
10
Prestigious_Video351 Mar 26, 2026 +3
I’ve always thought that D*** Van Dyke would have made an incredible Tom Bombadil. He’s too old now, obviously 
3
Flipper1967 Mar 27, 2026 +2
So who’s goldberry?
2
Ok-Consideration6973 Mar 27, 2026 +1
Amy Sedaris
1
djac13 Mar 27, 2026 +1
So Tom may also have been in Desolation of Smaug?
1
Seekin Mar 26, 2026 +52
I was sorry for the absence of Tom, but kind of understood. What I cannot forgive is the removal of "The Scouring of the Shire" as the ending. IMO it was the whole *point* of the books. If they make that, and do it well, I'll be over the moon.
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the_pounding_mallet Mar 26, 2026 +15
I don’t think it would’ve worked in the movie like it did in the books
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Debalic Mar 27, 2026 +2
Oh don't be silly, you wouldn't mind another half hour of *RotK*.
2
Maskatron Mar 26, 2026 +6
Scouring of the Shire is the textbook “Return” (hey that’s the name of the movie!) part of the Hero’s Journey and it’s weird that they left it out.
6
Grow_away_420 Mar 26, 2026 +6
From the moment Aragon tells the hobbits 'you bow to no man' to the credits i'm balling my eyes out as a grown man. The movie ending is perfect.
6
LordMustardTiger Mar 27, 2026 +5
A short movie about this would be amazing. Plus it finishes the whole story arch with the hobbits being competent enough to defend their way of life. If you didn’t read the books, until Gondor everyone is trying to protect their way hobbits. Until the scouring, when the hobbits step up after returning from the war.
5
Bobthebrain2 Mar 26, 2026 +9
I reckon it’ll be an adaption of Silmarillion. Essentially the origin story of middle Earth and Sauron….a prequel to end them all.
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Jefftaint Mar 26, 2026 +17
Colbert said he’s writing the script with his son Peter McGee and that the film will be based on material from the first book in Tolkien’s series, “The Fellowship of the Ring,” specifically Chapter 3, “Three Is Company,” through Chapter 8, “Fog on the Barrow-Downs.”
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Bobthebrain2 Mar 26, 2026 +3
Well, there goes my theory altogether.
3
Greatsnes Mar 26, 2026 +8
Yeah no. Idk how you even came to that conclusion lmao. Those rights are locked up by the Tolkien estate and they’re not giving them to f****** Stephen Colbert.
8
Mddcat04 Mar 26, 2026 +1
Why not? Colbert is probably the most famously dedicated Tolkien fan alive.
1
Greatsnes Mar 26, 2026 -2
Doesn’t mean he can write a script for a movie or have good ideas for a movie. I’m a fan of NFL, doesnt mean I can go onto the sideline and start drawing up scoring plays.
-2
Watsons-Butler Mar 27, 2026 +4
Except that Colbert *started* as a brilliant comedy writer for other people before getting his own shows. A better analogy would be saying “well, if goddamn Nick Saban is willing to come out of retirement for this one why the hell not?”
4
Spicy_Ahoy86 Mar 27, 2026 -1
Ehhh. I feel like his credits as a comedy writer don't really align/prepare him for writing something much larger in scope and tone as LOTR. Like, the last time he worked on a sitcom (something with a narrative structure) was over 25 years ago.
-1
pepelepew65 Mar 27, 2026 +1
I bet you're a barrel of laughs, fella
1
Bobthebrain2 Mar 26, 2026 +1
Haha, it’s just the first thought that came to mind to be honest. Silly little brain synapseses
1
the_pounding_mallet Mar 26, 2026 +2
I believe WB only has the rights to the main books and the hobbit.
2
kolby4078 Mar 26, 2026 +2
Let’s just forget about tom
2
accountantdooku Mar 26, 2026 +47
He’s a huge Tolkien fan so I’m really happy for him.
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SunWooden2681 Mar 26, 2026 +48
Wow! That is amazing and a change of pace!
48
SuspiciousBehinds Mar 26, 2026 +22
Such a change of pace that when I first read a headline about it, I thought it was a joke. Good for him!
22
SpiritualB0x3 Mar 26, 2026 +4
I want Colbert to grow back his beard and take the role of Gandalf
4
accidentallyHelpful Mar 26, 2026 +1
[Colbert on Conan ](https://youtu.be/g-MOSEbRUE4?si=VPmpMXNSfDUBiulG)
1
no-dice-play-nice Mar 26, 2026 +1
I was hoping for The Colbert report.
1
toreadorable Mar 27, 2026 +1
I hope it’s a misdirection and the beloved franchise is Meet the Feebles.
1
peacefinder Mar 26, 2026 +107
> Colbert said he’s writing the script with his son Peter McGee and that the film will be based on material from the first book in Tolkien’s series, “The Fellowship of the Ring,” specifically Chapter 3, “Three Is Company,” through Chapter 8, “Fog on the Barrow-Downs.” Bombadil. We’re gonna get Old Man Willow, Bombadil, and Goldberry. Oh frabjous day!
107
Thatsnotmyname49 Mar 26, 2026 +18
Up vote for Jabberwocky reference. Love portmanteaus. My wife and I have a lot of fun making them up.
18
[deleted] Mar 26, 2026 +1
[deleted]
1
pollyanna15 Mar 26, 2026 +5
[Sounds like the daughter and oldest son are both using different last names.](https://www.swooon.com/1271164/stephen-colbert-kids-wife-son-peter-mcgee-family-guide/) It doesn’t say why, but I would assume to not have sway based on their parents.
5
AndyK2131 Mar 26, 2026 +1
It’s his wife’s maiden name
1
SubwayHero4Ever Mar 26, 2026 +16
As long as Josh Gad isn’t cast as Tom Bombadil, I’m all in. Jermaine Clement. Full Stop!
16
dannyisyoda Mar 26, 2026 +15
Matt Berry
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BatMann1939 Mar 27, 2026 +10
Matthew Berry voice: "Hey dol! merry dol! ring a dong dillo!"
10
Hayduke_2030 Mar 27, 2026 +1
Holy shit…
1
Pendraconica Mar 26, 2026 +72
Good, he's too talented to just be a late night host.
72
benskieast Mar 26, 2026 +29
In a way this will be good for him but Trump is also silencing a critic of him. And watch for a bloodbath of local news shows over the next few weeks with the Tegna-Nextstar merger.
29
CrissBliss Mar 26, 2026 +10
Gosh I’ll miss him though
10
djrayhasmusic Mar 26, 2026 +47
They need to just reboot strangers with candy. It’s pretty obvious that’s what the world needs right now…
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treletraj Mar 26, 2026 +22
Your argument is a bit f a g g y. (Strangers with Candy debate episode reference)
22
DevelMann Mar 26, 2026 +15
Ha, he should a version where a hated president goes back to high school. Also, Hi only other person I've ever seen aware of this shiw!
15
JimmyGimbo Mar 26, 2026 +8
It has a pretty strong following among Gen X. I didn’t watch the show but saw the movie back in the day. All I remember is a telephone gag with the principal. “You say you’re going to rip my head off? Go ahead! What doesn’t kill me makes me stronger! … …oh. Oh, I see.” So dumb. I laughed so much.
8
DevelMann Mar 26, 2026 +2
I had no idea there was a movie! Looking it up right now!
2
majorjoe23 Mar 26, 2026 +3
First of all, Colbert doesn’t own the night. No one does!
3
StankyCankle Mar 26, 2026 +2
Just the thought of that brings me tears of happiness. EYES TO THE BACK OF THE ROOM!
2
MaeBelleLien Mar 27, 2026 +1
I stole the tv
1
AssumptiveMushroom Mar 27, 2026 +3
Colbert is sick of all this shit...let the man just write about hobbits in peace.
3
Rbixcube3 Mar 27, 2026 +3
His career has been on a winning streak for DECADES! I love this for him.
3
leedo8 Mar 26, 2026 +5
I love the late show, but this was when I first met Colbert https://youtube.com/shorts/v3X0Q4ectYs?si=i83XAUPVEXQyAcFU
5
JiveBomber Mar 27, 2026 +1
God dam this show was so funny. Thanks for the reminder. I've been threatening to make my fiance watch it for years. it's about time lol
1
Z3roTriQ23 Mar 26, 2026 +4
For the few that are unaware. Stephen Colbert is quite possibly the biggest LoTR fanboy ever and this is a dream come true for him. This is what movie adaptions should be, fans making movies for the fans. So happy for him!
4
N4RQ Mar 27, 2026 +2
You only made him stronger! 
2
Sweet-Minx Mar 26, 2026 +5
I’m glad he’s doing something he cares about, that will no doubt be successful, but I’m lowkey disappointed by this choice. I was hoping for an IRL epic move from Colbert, not a fantasy epic at the box office. A critic was silenced from the airwaves and I hate it.
5
ballzsweat Mar 26, 2026 +4
Passion pays off ! Nice!
4
SizzleanQueen Mar 26, 2026 +3
Good things happen to good people.
3
Hubbled Mar 26, 2026 +1
I wonder who they’ll cast as the new hobbits, assuming they’d want to cast a few actors with at least a bit of name recognition to draw in an audience?
1
mormonbatman_ Mar 26, 2026 +1
Professor Impossible spin off or nothing.
1
ombiChron Mar 26, 2026 +1
This is fine and all, but I am disappointed we aren't getting the Amber books. Give me Corwin!
1
TheDyeus Mar 27, 2026 +1
He should have done it with a pen name and then shock us when the movie ends up great. He might do great but no one thinks "talk show host" when they want an amazing action fantasy movie.
1
ReadingAndThinking Mar 26, 2026 -4
yeah wait until his act 3 is not working writing a script is torture.
-4
BFsMomsCancer Mar 26, 2026 -2
Going to be great when Larry Ellison cancels the project on him
-2
Proof_Commercial8470 Mar 26, 2026 -6
wasted f talent.. we need you to fight the oligarchy and you’re just f****** off in lalaland… ohh stevie
-6
plasmadood Mar 27, 2026 -2
This likely hinges on the Gollum movie being successful as well. Maybe don't get ahead of yourself just yet, Steve.
-2
Far-Advantage-2770 Mar 27, 2026 +1
So just keep pissing his talent away with more middling material? Sure, why not, he deserves to be happy I guess.
1
Guitarpants Mar 26, 2026 -7
Space Balls 2: The Search For More Money
-7
South-City1632 Mar 26, 2026 -22
Not interested in a woke fan fiction.
-22
Count_Bloodcount_ Mar 27, 2026 +1
I'll try to be there in your place.
1
Hayduke_2030 Mar 27, 2026 +1
Month old bot account says what?
1
Leather_Egg2096 Mar 26, 2026 -36
This is called hush money. 
-36
ClownholeContingency Mar 26, 2026 +10
LOL at this dumbfuck comment.
10
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